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Hi everyone! This is me, well.. as close as I could get! (Haha) This avatar represents myself currently in many different ways. Aside from physical features, I chose to give myself a small smile in which I always try to have. Additionally, the background is pink because it’s always been my favorite color, and I’m wearing grey because it’s one of the colors I wear consistently!

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This is how I see myself within the next 5-10 years or so. A bit more sophisticated and sleek, while having a lot more wisdom and knowledge from life and its experiences. Furthermore, this is after my time as a student has ended, but I will always be willing to learn regardless of my accomplishments. I see myself succeeding in my goals, being married with a child or two while loving my career, but also giving  to those in need.

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When it comes to the terminology regarding technology, there are numerous terms in which are utilized to describe acronyms, phrases, references, and more that all fa under the jargon of technology. Educational Technology is defined as ways to use multiple ways of technology within the classroom or other educational settings. This leads to learning being enhanced from the creation of active learning, which serves different types of learners (Altinay, 2020). Next is Instructional Design, which is defined as creation of instructional materials. The field considers how students learn and what materials will most efficiently help achieve their academic goals (Purdue Online, 2024). Instructional Technologist is an individual that is well versed in technology and its skill set. Augmented Reality is a system that enhances the real world by superimposing computer-generated information on top of it. Virtual Reality is the technology that provides almost real and/or believable experiences in a synthetic or virtual way (Furht, 2006).

Gamification refers to the functionality of interactive systems that leverage the use and mechanics of game elements to motivate or engage end-users (Seaborn & Fels, 2015). Artificial Intelligence is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence (Geeron, 2017).

Surprisingly, all of these terms are not new to me! However, I definitely want to learn more about AI and Virtual Reality because I have not delve into what all they entail just yet.

References

Altinay, F. (2020). The role of technology in education. Intech Open.

https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.

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Furht, B. (2006). Augmented Reality. Encyclopedia of Multimedia. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org 10.1007/0-387-30038-4_10

Geéron A. (2017). Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn & Tensor Flow. 1st ed. Sebastopol, CA, USA: O'Reilly.

Purdue Online. (2024). What is Instructional Design? https://online.purdue.edu/blog/education/what-is-instructional-design#:~:text=Simply%20put%2C%20instructional%20design%20is,individuals%20achieve%20their%20academic%20goals.

Seaborn, K., & Fels, D. I. (2015). Gamification in theory and action: a survey. Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud. 74, 14–31. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2014.09.006

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As an instructional designer, teacher, consultant, or trainer, how do learning theories inform your current or future practices? 

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Being in the educational field for awhile now, utilizing learning theories has been a beneficial tool while working with students throughout the years. As an educator, it’s important to know and understand that no two students are alike, differing in a multitude of ways, regardless of similarities that may occur. This is essential to know when developing curriculum and activities so that the educational environment is inclusive for all students. Teachers who understand learning theories can use different techniques in their classrooms to cater to different kinds of learning (WGU, 2020). By factoring in the importance of diversity and the use of learning theories to showcase the importance of inclusive learning, students have a greater chance at having a more positive educational experience.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of adhering to theories when developing instructional interventions

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Advantages and Disadvantages of adhering to theories when developing instructional interventions

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As with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to utilizing learning theories when developing instructional interventions. For example, Robert Sternberg's triarchic theory of human intelligence focuses on three distinct types of intelligence: practical, distinct, and analytical. The theory has many advantages when used such as helping educators understand the dynamics and qualities of human intelligence, and how it impacts individuals daily lives. However, there are disadvantages as well. It has been argued that theory relies too much on subjective judgments, feeling that the types of intelligence are based on Sternberg's opinions, not objective evidence, which may not truly represent all aspects of intelligence (Sisco, 1989).

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What specific learning theory do you utilize most often in practice? How can you apply this theory to your future dissertation research? 

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What specific learning theory do you utilize most often in practice? How can you apply this theory to your future dissertation research? 

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Within the classroom, I have utilized Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence on several occasions throughout the years. Since I mostly work with younger students, I have always wanted to ensure that different ways of learning or intelligence shines, shedding light on their individual strengths, abilities, and uniqueness. For example, some of my students thrive while using visuals, most love music (as well as I do) which showcases their strengths at recognizing patterns and rhythms, etc. Sometimes it isn’t easy to do so, but when possible I create a learning environment that promotes all forms of intelligence through resources, activities, and more.

For my dissertation, utilizing this theory will help me to further understand the importance of individual differences and diversity, and also shed light on issues that occur when such factors aren’t properly addressed or understood.

References

Sisco, B. R. (1989). The relevance of Robert Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence for Adult Education. Annual Adult Education Research Conference (pp 284-289), WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Western Governors University. (2020). Five Educational Learning Theories. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/five-educational-learning-theories2005.html

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Unit 5 Discussion: Exploration of AR Tools

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Unit 5 Discussion: Exploration of AR Tools

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The Vive XR Elite is my chosen tool. The most awarded VR headset of 2023 is lightweight, sleek, and dark in appearance. The headset comes with an array of different features and accessories, most popularly the powerful speakers for a crisp audio experience, depth sensing precision, and a detachable battery that allows up to two hours of constant power. There are also controllers for the XR series, that has the same look and enhances the VR experience.

VR use in the classroom and childhood education

Virtual reality has been used in various fields since the mid-20th century, but its application in education is relatively new. Today, virtual reality is being used in various educational settings, from K-12 schools to universities and beyond (42 Interactive, 2024.)

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Virtual field trips are a great way for students to experience places that may not be able to physically. They can visit historical sites, explore different cultures, or observe natural phenomena. VR field trips provide students with a more immersive and interactive learning experience than traditional field trips (42 Interactive, 2024).

Learning a new language using VR

Using VR and such headsets like the Vive XR Elite, educators can introduce students to different  countries, cultures & contexts which can be encouraging when learning a new language. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, virtual reality in language will help students delve into each country in incredible detail, creating connections and improving language expression. Additionally, headsets can be used to provide an interactive experience with the use of a virtual teacher that provides words in one’s native language and also the translation of their choice (Tiden, 2023).

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Science Education and Lab Experiments

VR simulations and lab experiments give students an opportunity to practice and experiment in a safe and controlled environment. Students can simulate a  lab experiment without any risks or potential harm. They can learn how to operate machinery or equipment without any risks as well (42 Interactive, 2024).

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Evaluation

Reflecting upon the use of such tools in education when it comes to the classroom environment brings upon many factors that have to be considered.

1. Classroom Use and Student Success: What is the overall purpose for the use of these tools? Will utilizing these tools make a positive impact on student success and academic performance?

2. Diversity and Specific Needs: Will the use of such tools require any special assistance for students with specific needs or disabilities?

3. Educational Outcome: Once the tool is used for specific subjects and tasks, one will be able to determine whether the use of the tool was beneficial for the learning process and the classroom environment overall.

By properly evaluating the tool, educators can be able to identify the advantages and disadvantages its use, leading to a decision on whether to continue its implementation or better the ways it can be used.

References

Tiden, B. (2023). Learning in a language in VR with Mondly VR. Medium.

42 Interactive. (2024). Virtual Reality in Classroom: A Game-Changer in Education.

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Unit 7 Discussion: A Critical Review of Digital Transformations 

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Unit 7 Discussion: A Critical Review of Digital Transformations 

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Summary

I chose to summarize chapter three, The Screen as Instrument of Freedom and Unfreedom, by Amy E. Wendling. For this chapter, Wendling (2020) brings attention to the relationship between humans and our use of technology, technology in education, and much more. The overall point of the chapter focuses on the freedoms and unfreedoms of the use of technology, which I viewed from an advantage and disadvantage point. Several points were made throughout the chapter highlighting how the use of screens (cellphones, tablets) have impacted society positively and negatively. Additionally, many of these negative impacts or issues are not something that have newly emerged, as many of them have evolved throughout history as the use of technology has increased.

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What I appreciated most about Wendling’s chapter was her way of implementing the perspectives and ideas from other scholars that came before to drive many important points home. For example, the Anne Mangen Norwegian study from 2013 is cited, which brings me to my first point of agreement, “if you read it on a screen, it is harder to remember what you read.” She provides a personal example of once reading a novel on a tablet screen, and having issues like not remembering the title, only recalling the feeling/tone and nothing more! Of course this cannot apply to every single human there is, but from my own personal experiences as well as being an educator, there is a clear difference of how information is retained when technology is used versus the old ways of reading, note taking, etc.

My second point of agreement stems from the idea of just how difficult it can be to truly focus when it comes to utilizes such devices. This is cited in the chapter from Benartzi, and what he calls attention economy, seen as a culture of speed and culture of interruption. Wendling goes on to explain how multitasking and interruptions are built in to screen technologies. From tabbed web browsers, running apps, images, pop-ups and more, our attention on screen can be heavily impacted, which in my own opinion can definitely cause issues if technology is the only option accessible and you’re trying to focus whether for educational purposes or job tasks.

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Well, sorta? While reading and reviewing this chapter, there honestly wasn’t much there that I disagreed with. The only slight disagreement I have comes from Galit Wellner’s thoughts about the evolution of screens. She stated that the larger the screen, the more important the screen is. “As screens became larger on the cell phone and, by extension, the tablet, they also became smaller. The normative computer, television and movie screens were all larger, but less convenient to carry around than the cell phone or tablet screens (Wendling, 2020). While these points may be true, from a consumer’s perspective it all depends on personal preference as all of these devices are not created equal, varying in a multitude of sizes and types.

But perhaps this is just my way of over analyzing!

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Questions I would ask the author

1. Considering your works and where we are now with technology, where do you see the state of the world with the use of technology within the next ten years?

2. When it comes to education and the use of technology, many educational institutions are close to being 100% reliant on technology to teach and educate. Do you see this as something positive or negative? Also, do you think older methods of teaching should be implemented back into the classroom? Should there a balance of the two?

Reference

Wendling, A. E. (2020). The screen as instrument of freedom and unfreedom.

In M. Stocchetti (Ed.), The digital age and its discontents: Critical reflections in education (pp. 55-68). Helsinki: Helsinki University Press. https://doi.org/10.33134

/HUP-4-3

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For my meme creation, I decided to focus on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), how its popularity and use has increased out of nowhere it seems. AI is currently being utilized for many purposes, some personally and some professionally. And when it comes to jobs, there has been a substantial amount of talk pertaining to this sort of takeover, that a plethora of articles have been written expressing people’s thoughts about whether certain professions will exist in the future with actual human activity. One of these professions is teaching, which led to the creation of this week’s meme.

I came across a statement on X (Twitter) late last year pertaining to how AI robots could possibly replace actual teachers one day. Long story short, I laughed but then the thought of it actually happening crossed my mind. To sum it all up, I do not believe a robot could ever replace an actual human when it comes to teaching. I feel like this sort of idea and implementing it would be a great disservice to the profession and the minds that are needed to be enriched with knowledge. However, as for the future and even now, using AI is great when it comes to help with lesson planning, research, language translation, and more. With these AI resources used, it will greatly benefit not only learners but educators as well.

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Learning Worlds SEL for children video presentation

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Unit 11 Discussion: Peer Virtual Field Experience

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Unit 11 Discussion: Peer Virtual Field Experience

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Learning Worlds SEL for children video presentation

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Unit 13 Discussion: ePortfolioPeer Review

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Unit 13 Discussion: ePortfolioPeer Review

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https://demo.portfolium.com/kowens?ref=kowens

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Summary

For the final discussion, I have chosen Chapter 4 Accessible Inclusive Learning: Foundations, and Chapter 5 Accessible Inclusive Learning: Futures. These chapters provide an overview about the importance and need for accessibility regarding technology being implemented in education, and  practices/trends that are essential for accessibility and inclusion in education as well.

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There were several areas within chapter four that I agree with, for example, when it comes to terms like accessibility and openness, it is important to understand that these terms can mean differently things to different people, and can be used in a multitude of ways. When using the term accessibility, most tend to think about those that are disabled, which in fact the chapter does tend to focus on. However, the term can be used regarding other populations as well.

As an educator and having to consider future career paths, the meaning of these terms, how they are used especially in educational environments is very important to me as I have to always be considerate about accessibility for learning and how inclusiveness makes a positive impact for learners, strengthening the overall learning experience.

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Reading through chapter five, I was able to reflect upon the Our Journey tool and its overall use which was for disabled students to have an opportunity to communicate about the challenges they face, as well as shedding light on the difficulties that educators, researchers, and staff have while trying to understand the challenges. Where the slight disagreement happens is brining in the tool for all students. I understand the overall concept and how it can be helpful, but it almost seems to take away from the idea of disabled students having a safe space to share their experiences.

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After reading and reflecting on both chapters, I would ask the authors

How do you feel about the current state of accessibility in education, regarding the use of technology?

Do you think that issues surrounding accessibility and inclusion will persist in education and technology use regardless of the progress that has been made?

References

Coughlan, T., Lister, K., Seale, J., Scanlon, E. and Weller, M. 2019. Accessible Inclusive Learning: Foundations. In: Ferguson, R., Jones, A. and Scanlon, E. (eds).

Educational Visions: Lessons from 40 years of innovation. Pp. 51-73. London: Ubiquity Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/bcg.d. License: CC-BY 4.0

Coughlan, T., Lister, K., Seale, J., Scanlon, E. and Weller, M. 2019. Accessible Inclusive Learning: Futures. In: Ferguson, R., Jones, A. and Scanlon, E. (eds). Educational Visions: Lessons from 40 years of innovation. Pp. 75-91. London: Ubiquity Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/bcg.e. License: CC-BY 4.0